London: Nun's Chorus at the Park Theatre
Set in 1950's Ireland, Nun's Chorus, by Sally Mulready, tells the story of a group of enclosed nuns who go on their first trip outside the convent in five years. Their holiday to Galway Bay leads to more than they expected as they find themselves on a journey of fun, friendship and self discovery.
This production, at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, north London, on Monday, was performed by members of the Irish Pensioners Theatre Group and Irish Pensioners Choir run by the Irish Elderly Advice Network. Most had never acted before - but their performances were very good indeed - partly due to Mulready's excellent script, very good direction and the musical accompaniment by Billy Faughnan - a world-class pianist and keyboard player. There was also Irish music played by children from the Hackney School of Folk.
The theatre was packed. Irish Ambassador to Great Britain, Daniel Mulhall, was in the audience and came on stage at the end of the show to thank everyone. He praised the script, and said he was particularly pleased to hear Patrick Cavanagh's Raglan Road.
jacquelyn Hynes, the one professional actor and musician in the show gave a very touching performance as the young nun Sister Bernadette.
Nun's Chorus is coming to Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Road, Haringey N17 8DX this Thursday 21st July, (doors at 7pm, show at 7.30pm)
See it if you get the chance. I wouldn't be surprised if it is made into a television play or film one day soon.
Read more about Nun's Chorus here: https://nunschorus.wordpress.com/
See more pictures on ICN's Facebook page.